Liewicki Leaks: Lighter side of the MJPS

They swear an oath to serve and protect. They carry batons, guns and Tasers. They attend crime scenes, apprehend suspects and are subject to verbal and sometimes physical abuses from individuals who break the law.

Many of them are also muscular and in tremendous physical condition — much more than I will probably ever be. They are members of the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) and they put their lives on the line every day they go to work.

There is also a lighter side to some members of the MJPS.

If you attended the first two days of Sidewalk Days earlier this month, you would have seen members of the force seated on the edge of a dunk tank. Just off the corner of Fairford Street West.

Waiting to be submerged into the murky water by Moose Javians throwing balls at a paddle that triggered the seat to instantaneously disappear, MJPS officers played to the crowd.

Even the chief of police, Rick Bourassa, twice volunteered himself to be in the dunk tank.

It’s needless to say, but I’m going to say it anyways. These aren’t your father’s, or even your grandfather’s police officers.

Whether it’s participating in a local barbecue that is attempting to raise charitable funds, running across the Fourth Avenue Bridge alongside Special Olympians at the Law Enforcement Torch Run, or performing a few kickflips at the skate park in front of the next generation, the MJPS has a less serious side that isn’t all about shooting guns and catching robbers.

Did I mention they also have “limited edition” trading cards?

My colleague Mickey Djuric got her hands on a few of the cards on Wednesday and I, of course, combed them over.

I’m just wondering when the Moose Jaw Fire Department is going to release their own set of trading cards?

If not for the cards, members of the public would likely not know this information about these officers. It just shows that the MJPS is continually trying to strengthen their ties with the community.

Just remember: it’s OK to share a laugh and joke with police officers.

Their personalities aren’t monotonous and dry like Vladimir Putin and members of the Russian Kremlin. It’s only if you’ve done something illegal that the MJPS officers will hide that smile and focus on protecting the public.

Nathan Liewicki can be reached at 306-691-1256 or follow him on Twitter @liewicks